John O. Moon

The passing of JOHN O. MOON on Thursday, March 6, took from Lamoni one more of the few remaining veterans of the Civil War, and one of our nation's strongest and most willing defenders. Death came with very little warning as he had been out conversing with friends during the forenoon. He complained of not feeling as well as usual soon after noon and medical aid was summoned as were also his children. He was sitting in a chair talking with his daughter just prior to his passing, about 4 p.m. His wife was visiting her daughter in Leon, and arrived home on the five o'clock train, not knowing of his death until her arrival.

"Uncle JOHN," as deceased was called by his many friends, has always led an active life. He was thrifty and energetic, taking great pride in improving and making attractive his home and surroundings and encouraging his neighbors to do likewise. He took a great interest in the affairs of his town and country and in the later years of his life after his eyesight failed him to such an extent that he was unable to read the daily papers he devoted a portion of each day in listening to someone read to him, that he might keep abreast of the times, and he was especially well informed on current events for one of his age.

JOHN O. MOON was born January 28, l839, at North Hampton, Summit County, Ohio, and passed from this life at Lamoni, Iowa, March 6, l924, aged 85 years, one month and seven days.

MR. MOON moved with his parents when a boy to LaPorte, Indiana, where he grew to young manhood. In his early life he united with the Christian Church.

At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in the service of his country, serving for a period of three years and three months. On the evening of his discharge at Louisville, Ky., he was married to MISS MAGGIE ROSS, of that place, and with her returned to LaPorte, Indiana, where they lived seven years, going from there to Allogan County, Michigan.

In l880, they came west settling across the line in Missouri, near Blythedale. They lived there but a short time when they moved to Lamoni, where MR. MOON has since resided except a short time that he lived in Leon. There were born to MR. and MRS. MOON, four children, CHAS., of Lamoni; MRS. ETTA MCKIM, also of Lamoni, both of whom were present at the funeral. A daughter, JENNIE, passed away in the first year of their residence in the west, and FRED, who was born in Lamoni in l885, died here May 25, l908.

After the death of his first wife, MR. MOON married MRS. N.J. WILEY, who survives him. In addition to the relatives mentioned, he leaves four grandchildren, WALTER, WILLARD, ARREN and MILTON, and two great grandchildren.

Funeral was from the Brick Church, Sunday at 2:30, in charge of G.W. Blair, sermon by T.J. Bell. His four grandsons, and ED and BUD DOWNEY, were pall bearers, and members of the American Legion marched in a body. Remains were laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert "With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter" September 2, 2002